The inspirational true story of a high school football coach who motivates and encourages ordinary kids to do extraordinary things on and off the field
Hes called simply Coach. But Louie Cook of Notre Dame High School in Crowley, Louisiana, is much more than that. Hes a father figure to his players, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or religion; the mentor players can turn to for discerning advice; the man students and parents go to for comfort in challenging times; and most of all, a caring leader with a servants heart.
Coach of a Lifetime: The Story of Lewis Cook Jr., Legendary High School Football Coach recounts the inspiring, selfless path Cook has traveled as a football coach and, more importantly, as a leader in a small Louisiana town. While other high school coaches have won more games and sent more players to the NFL, none have proven better at developing the raw talents of high school kids from a handful of farming communities and turning them into champions on the football field and in life.
The story of Louie Cookis about much more than football. Its about developing and motivating young people, about putting faith and family ahead of wins and losses, and about building relationships that will last a lifetime. Cook may be one of the winningest high school coaches in the nation, but he will be the first to tell you, Winning isnt everything; winning theright way is.
Gaylon H. White is the author of four books,The Best Little Baseball Town in the World;Left on Base in the Bush Leagues;Singles and Smiles; andThe Bilko Athletic Club. He is also the co-author with Ransom Jackson ofHandsome Ransom Jackson: Accidental Big Leaguer. White was a sportswriter for theDenver Post,Arizona Republic, andOklahoma Journal before working nearly 40 years for such varied companies as Hallmark Cards, Inc., The Goodyear Tire& Rubber Company, and Eastman Chemical Company. For more about White and his books, visitwww.GaylonWhite.com.
Authors Note
Foreword by Nick Saban
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Map
1. The Birth of a Legend
2. No Golden Dome at this Notre Dame
3. The Ultimate Goal is Heaven
4. Rayne Man
5. From Bottom Lines to Goal Lines
6. Getting a PhD in Football
7. Theyre Laughing at Us
8. There Goes His Red Shirt
9. Psychologist of the Year
10. Here Come the Sons!
11. Early Morning Lights
12. No Place Like Dome
13. Family Ties
14. The Disciples
15. The Black Hole
16. Worthy Adversary
17. Forty-Two
18. Nothing Good Happens After Midnight
Epilogue
Appendix
A Note of Gratitude
About the Author
Index
